Wearable illuminating and video recording devices, systems, and methods of use thereof

ABSTRACT

A wearable illuminating and video recording system for use in conjunction with a handheld firearm includes a housing having first and second ports in a surface of the housing. A light source is disposed within the housing and positioned to emit light through the first port. A camera module is disposed within the housing and positioned to detect images through the second port. A recording module is disposed within the housing for receiving a video signal from the camera and storing data representative of the video signal. A power supply is disposed within the housing for providing power to operate the light source, camera, and recording module. An RF tag is disposed within the housing and a circuit including an RFID reader is associated with the firearm. The RFID reader is configured to transmit signals to the RF tag and receive signals from the RF tag and the circuit is configured to control operation of the firearm.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 15/366,085filed Dec. 1, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,271,022, which, in turn, claimsthe priority benefit of provisional application No. 62/262,087 filedDec. 2, 2015.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a wearable illuminating and videorecording device that can be worn on the body of a user, particularly onthe user's wrist. The disclosure also relates to a system encompassingthe wearable illuminating and video recording device for use inconjunction with a firearm and to methods of using the described deviceand system. Although the present disclosure will be shown and describedherein primarily by way of reference to the preferred embodiment whereinthe wearable illuminating and video recording device is incorporatedinto a watch device wearable on the wrist of a user, e.g., a wristwatch,it will be recognized that the present device can be configured as awrist worn recording device without a watch.

SUMMARY

Described herein is a wearable illuminating and video recording device.The wearable illuminating and video recording device includes a housingcontaining a port in a surface of the housing, an LED light sourcewithin the housing and positioned to emit light through the port, and apower supply within the housing and capable of providing power tooperate the LED light source. The device is designed to be wearable onthe wrist of a user and may be integral with a wristwatch.

Also provided is a wearable illuminating and video recording system foruse in conjunction with a handheld firearm. The system includes ahousing containing two or more ports in a surface of the housing,including a camera port and one or more illumination ports. Anillumination source (e.g., an LED flashlight having one or more LEDelements) is positioned within the housing adjacent each illuminationport and is configured to emit light through the aligned illuminationport. A camera module is received within the housing and includes aphotosensitive array positioned to detect images through the camera portand a recording module. The recording module is disposed within thehousing and includes processing electronics for receiving output fromthe photosensitive array and generating video data representativethereof. The recording module includes a storage medium is coupled tothe processing electronics for storing the video data. A power supply isreceived within the housing for providing power to operate theillumination source, camera module, and recording module, aradio-frequency identification chip within the housing.

In a further aspect, a system is provided which includes a wearableilluminating and video recording device and a handgun which areconfigured to communicate via a two-way radio frequency (RF)communications link. A circuit, e.g., a circuit board or othercircuitized substrate, may be attached to attach to the firearm. Thecircuit may be of the type configured to control operation of thefirearm. In certain embodiments, the circuit includes a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) reader. In certain embodiments, the illuminatingand video recording device includes an RF tag operable to communicatewith the RFID reader. The RF tag may be active, semi-active, or passive.The RFID reader is operable to transmit signals to the RF tag andreceive signals therefrom. The RFID tag stores information which istransmitted to the RFID reader upon interrogation by the RFID reader.The information stored in the RF tag and transmitted to the RFID readeris keyed to the firearm and unlocks or otherwise enables operation ofthe firearm when the RF tag is within communication range of the RFIDreader.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take form in various components and arrangements ofcomponents, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawingsare only for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments and are notto be construed as limiting the invention.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary video recording andillumination device according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view showing the device appearing in FIG. 1illustrating the video recording and illumination device as worn by auser holding a firearm.

FIG. 3 illustrates a preferred embodiment video recording andillumination device which includes an RFID chip which is keyed to anRFID interrogator in the handgun.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings and, in particular, FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, thepresent disclosure relates to a wearable, combined illuminating andvideo recording device, designated generally as 100. The device 100 isadapted to be wearable on the body of a user. In the illustratedpreferred embodiment, the device 100 is wearable on the wrist of a userand is configured as a wristwatch including a housing 110 enclosing anoptional clock or time keeping module 112. The watch module 112 mayinclude an analog movement 113 or a digital/electronic display (notshown), as would be understood by persons skilled in the art. The watchmodule 112 may be mechanical or electronic. In the case of an electronicwatch module 112, the watch module may be powered by the power supply150 as described below. The device 100 includes a band or strap 114 forsecuring the device 100 around a wrist 116L of the wearer. Inalternative embodiments, the device 100 may be configured to be wearableon the arm, leg, ankle, waist, or head of the user, or elsewhere on thebody.

The wearable illuminating and video recording device 100 includes alight source 120 situated within a housing. The light source is capableof emitting light through a first port defining an illumination orflashlight port or aperture 122 in the housing 110 to illuminate a fieldof view of the user. In preferred embodiments, a means 124 for focusingor directing a beam may be provided. The beam focusing means may be, forexample, a reflector such as a parabolic reflector, refractive ordiffractive optical lens, spherical lens, aspheric lens, collimatinglens, or the like. Although the light diffuses as it is emitted from thelight source, the field of illumination has a center point that definesan axis of illumination from the light source. In certain embodiments,focusing optics, such as one or more refractive or diffractive opticalelements, may be movably positioned over the port 122 to focus theangular spread of the rays of light emitted by the light source. Incertain embodiments wherein the focusing or directing means 124 is areflector, a plano or non-focusing lens may be provided over the port122 to protect the light source 120.

The light source 120 may be one or more LED lights, although other typesof light elements are contemplated, such as incandescent (includinghalogen) lamps, laser illumination devices, and the like. In certainembodiments, the light source 120 is capable of providing light ofdifferent intensities. Thus, in certain embodiment, the device may beable to operate in different modes, with each mode having a differentintensity of light emitted from the light source. For example, thedevice may be adjustable so that the light source emits light of 1, 3,5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, 100, 150, 180, 200, 250, 300, 400, or 500 lumensin different modes. In certain embodiments, the light source emitsvisible light. Alternatively, the light element which emits in theinfrared (IR) range, e.g., for use when the user is wearing a nightvision device.

The wearable illuminating and video recording device 100 also includes acamera module 130. The camera 130 includes a lens system 132, alight-sensing medium or array 134, processing electronics 136, and anelectronic storage medium 138. The light sensing medium or array may bea charge-coupled device (CCD), complementary metal oxide semiconductor(CMOS) image sensor, N-type metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS) imagesensor, or the like. The lens system 132 includes one or more opticalelements, such as one or more refractive and/or diffractive opticalelements in optical communication with the light sensing medium 134. Thelens system 132 may have a fixed focal length or, alternatively, mayinclude a focusing mechanism, such as an autofocus mechanism as would beunderstood by persons skilled in the art. The lens system 132 ispositioned to detect images through a second port defining an imagingport 140 in the housing 110. In certain embodiments, the camera 130 mayoperate as a pinhole camera wherein the lens system 132 is omitted.

The lens system 132 and light source 120 are co-aligned so that theprincipal axis 152 of the camera lens and axis of illumination 154 fromthe light source are generally parallel. As used herein, the termgenerally parallel means that the axis 152 and the axis 154 aresufficiently parallel such that rays of light emitted by the lightsource will fall on the object or scene to be imaged by the camera 130.This enables the camera 130 to capture images in a field illuminated bythe light source, e.g., when recording video images indoors, at night,or under other low light conditions.

In certain embodiments, the camera 130 is capable of recordingcontinuous video images and still images. In certain embodiments, thecamera further includes a microphone 142 for recording an audio signalfor digitization and storage in conjunction with the video data, whichmay be stored in a known encoded format, such as MP3, WAV, and so forth.Unless stated otherwise, terms such as video data, video signal, videorecording, and the like are intended to encompass audiovisual data,audiovisual signals, audiovisual recordings, etc., unless specificallystated otherwise.

In certain embodiments, the camera includes one or more output devicesfor outputting a state of operation of the camera. For example, incertain embodiments, a vibrating mechanism may be provided to providetactile feedback when a recording operation is started or stopped.Alternatively, one or more indicator lights may be provided on thehousing to provide a visual indication of when a recording operation isstarted or stopped. In still other embodiments, an audio output devicesuch as a speaker or piezoelectric element may be provided to provide anaudible indication or alert when a recording operation is started orstopped.

The wearable illuminating and video recording device 100 also includes apower supply 150. The power supply is electrically coupled to the lightsource 120 and the camera 130 to supply power to these components. Thepower supply may be a battery or battery pack, for example, a disposablebattery such as a lithium battery, or a rechargeable battery such as alithium-ion battery, nickel-cadmium battery, nickel metal hydridebattery, and so forth. In certain embodiments, the battery may beenclosed within the housing and charging circuitry may be included forelectrically charging the battery without removal of the battery fromthe housing. Alternatively, the battery may be removable from thehousing, e.g., for disposal and replacement when uncharged or, in thecase of a rechargeable battery, for charging using an external batterycharger. In certain embodiments wherein the battery is rechargeable, asolar (photovoltaic) cell may be provided on the housing in electricalcommunication with the battery. Alternatively, the battery may berecharged via charging contacts provided on the housing or via aninduction circuit for non-contact battery charging.

Because preferred embodiments of the wearable illuminating and videorecording device 100 are designed to be worn on the wrist, the devicemay have features of a wristwatch. In the illustrated preferredembodiment, the device 100 incorporates the watch/time-keeping device112 as described above. The housing 110 of the wearable illuminating andvideo recording device 100 may be the case body of a wristwatch or mayhave features similar to those of a case body of a wristwatch. Forexample, in certain embodiments, the housing 112 may include seals,gaskets, etc., around openings to provide a water-resistant orwaterproof housing. Alternatively or additionally, the housing may beruggedized, e.g., using shock absorbing materials or components to allowthe unit 100 withstand shock. In certain embodiments, the time keepingdevice 112 is synchronized with the camera system, wherein timeinformation is stored electronically in association with the videorecordings. In other embodiments, the processing electronics may includea clock for recording time information along with image videoinformation which is independent of the time appearing on the watch 112.

The wearable illuminating and video recording device 100 may alsoinclude the band or strap 114 attached to the housing to enable thedevice to be easily and removably secured to the user's wrist 116L.While the present embodiment is illustrated with respect to a userwearing the device 100 on the left wrist 116L, it will be recognizedthat the present development can likewise be adapted to be worn on theright wrist 116R. The band or strap 114 may be strap or band similar tothose used for wristwatches. The strap or band may contain nylon,rubber, canvas, plastic, metal, leather, or any other material used forbands or straps of wristwatches. The band 114 fastener may include afastener 115 such as a buckle, button, snap, hook-and-loop fastener, orany other means used to secure wristwatches.

As for a wristwatch, the mass of the wearable illuminating and videorecording device is low enough to allow a user to wear it comfortablyfor extended periods. For example, the wearable illuminating and videorecording device may weigh less than about 300, about 200, about 150,about 100, about 80, or about 50 grams.

The illumination port 122 in the housing of the wearable illuminatingand video recording device allows the light source to emit a cone oflight toward a subject. In analogy to the case body of a wristwatch, thehousing 112 has a back that is in proximity to the user's wrist and afront or face that is opposite the back of the housing. In embodimentsincorporating a watch 112, the time is displayed on the face in humanviewable form. Continuing the analogy, the housing 112 has a top andbottom, both of which may be attached to a fastener, and left and rightsides. The ports for the light source and camera may be located oneither the left or right side of the housing, for wearing the wearableilluminating and video recording device on the right or left wrist,respectively. Alternatively, the device 100 may be configured with anelectronic display which can be rotated 180 degrees, depending onwhether the user intends to wear the device 100 on the left or rightwrist. In certain embodiments having a video display, the processingelectronics 136 may include an associated video codec for playing backvideo recordings stored in the memory 138. A data port 156, such as aserial or parallel data port, Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, IEEE 1394(Fire Wire) port, or the like is provided for transferring recordedvideo information to a computer-based information handling system. Inalternative embodiments, a RF transmitter may be provided fortransmitting video information to a computer-based information handlingsystem in accordance with a promulgated protocol, such as Bluetooth,Wi-Fi, ZigBee, or the like.

In certain embodiments, an “on” button 144 and an “off” button 146 areprovided on the housing 110 and are operable to start and stop recordingby the camera 130. In certain embodiments, a light sensor 148 isprovided which detects the intensity of the ambient lighting. The sensor148 may be, for example, a photo resistor, photodiode, phototransistor,or the like. When the intensity or brightness of the ambient lightingfalls below a preselected threshold, the flashlight 120 automaticallyactuated when starting a recording operation. If the intensity orbrightness of the ambient lighting is at or above a preselectedthreshold, operation of the video camera module 130 does not actuate theflashlight 120.

In the preferred embodiments, when a user wearing the device on his orher wrist and has his or her arms fully extended, as when aiming orpreparing to fire a handgun, the device 100 is positioned so that ports122 and 140 are facing outward and the axis of illumination 154 and theprincipal axis 152 of the camera lens are essentially parallel to theuser's arm. FIG. 2 illustrates a typical manner of holding and aiming ahandgun 160, wherein the handgun is held in the shooter's right hand,with the right arm extended out in front of the body, e.g., toward atarget. The left hand, in turn, is placed on the other side of thehandgun 160 and is used to support the right hand. The positions of theflashlight module 120 and the camera module 130 on the device 100 aresuch that the optical axis 152 of the camera 130 and the optical axis154 of the light source 170 will also be generally aligned with thelongitudinal axis of the firearm barrel, thereby allowing the device 100to acquire a video recording of the target area.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the wearable illuminating and video recordingdevice 100 may include an optional RF tag 210 within the housing 110 andan optional circuit 220 including an RFID reader 222 disposed on orwithin the handgun 160 for communicating with the RF tag 210. The RF tag210 may be active, semi-active, or passive. The circuit 220 includingthe RFID reader 222 may be implemented on a separate circuit board thatcan be attached to a firearm, or may comprise a module or componentincorporated within a firearm management, safety, or control system. TheRF tag 210 and RFID reader 222 are capable of sending and receivingelectromagnetic signals 224 to and from each other, thereby allowing thewearable illuminating and video recording device 100 to be wirelesslycoupled to the firearm 160.

In embodiments employing a passive RF tag 210, the passive RF tag 210may not be suitable for initiating communications with the RFID reader222, but must be read, i.e., wherein the RF tag 210 is powered by the RFwaves transmitted by the RF reader 222 for reading the RF tag 210. TheRF tag 210 stores information that is read by the RF reader 222. Inpreferred embodiments, the communication range between the RF reader 222and the RF tag 210 is short, wherein the RF tag 210 operates as aproximity token to prevent operation of the handgun 160 unless the RFtag 210 is within reading range of the RFID reader 222. In preferredembodiments, the communication range is in the range of 0 to 1 meter,preferably 0-80 centimeters, and more preferably 0 to 50 centimeters.

In certain embodiments, the RF tag 210 cooperates with the RFID reader220 to control the operation of the firearm 160. For example, in certainembodiments, the RFID circuit 220 is coupled to an optional firearmmanagement system 226 or other locking or safety mechanism of thefirearm 160, wherein the firearm 160 remains locked unless it receives asignal such as a signal transmitting stored identification data from theRF tag 210 responsive to an interrogation signal from the RFID reader220. In such embodiments, the firearm 160 becomes unlocked only when theRF tag 222 within the wearable illuminating and video recording deviceis within a distance defined by the communication range between the RFtag 210 and the RF reader 222. This decreases the likelihood that onewho is not wearing the device 100 will be able to discharge the firearm160. Consequently, this serves as a safety feature to minimize thepossibility that a firearm will be used by anyone other than theofficial to whom it has been assigned.

In certain embodiments, when the RFID tag 210 is within transmissionrange of the handgun 160 and an interrogation signal from the reader 222is received by the RF tag 222, the processor 136 automatically turns onthe camera module 130 and flashlight module 120 under pre-programmedcontrol. In certain embodiments incorporating a light sensor 148, theprocessor 136 is configured to turn on the camera module 130 only whenthe ambient light is above the predetermined intensity or brightnessthreshold level.

In certain embodiments wherein the camera module 130 and optionally theflashlight 120 are configured to be turned on automatically, e.g., whenthe handgun 160 and recording device 100 are brought within thecommunication range of the reader 222 and the RF tag 210, the camera 130continues recording until the recording function is manually turned offby the user. In alternative embodiments wherein the camera (andoptionally the flashlight) is turned on automatically, the RFID reader222 continues to interrogate the RF tag at periodic intervals and thecamera 130 continues to record video data until the recording device 100is moved out of communication range of the RFID reader 222.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of controlling operation of a videorecording device, comprising: providing a firearm having an RFID reader;providing a wearable video recording device having a RF tag capable oftransmitting a signal to the RFID reader in response to an interrogationsignal received from the RFID reader, the RF tag and the RF readerhaving a communication range; and using the RFID reader to transmit asignal to the RF tag operable to actuate the video recording device whenthe RF tag and the RFID reader are within said communication range. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein the wearable video recording deviceincludes: a housing comprising a first port and a second port in asurface of the housing; a light source disposed within the housing andpositioned to emit light through the first port; a camera disposedwithin the housing and configured to record images through the secondport; and a power supply disposed within the housing and configured tooperate the light source and the camera.
 3. The method of claim 2,wherein the wearable video recording device further includes a recordingmodule disposed within the housing and capable of receiving a videosignal from the camera and storing data representative of the videosignal.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the wearable video recordingdevice is configured to be worn on a wrist of a user, and wherein thefirst port and the second port are positioned on the housing to face atarget area when the user is wearing the device and the user's arms arefully extended as when aiming or preparing to fire said firearm towardthe target area.